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Royal Life Saving's Lifesaving Idea: Designated Child Supervisor Hat

Yesterday's tragic discovery of a three year olds body in a river after falling into the water is sadly a far too common occurrence. Royal Life Saving's 2007 National Drowning Report revealed that 35 infants and toddlers lost their lives tragically through drowning in the financial year ending 30 June 2007. Of the 35 drowning deaths, 23 (66%) fell or wandered into water prior to drowning.

"We hear of too many tragic drowning deaths where although there were lots of people present, each person assumed someone else was looking out for the kids. It only takes a few seconds for a child to wander off and tragedy to occur," said Rob Bradley, CEO The Royal Life Saving Society Australia. Royal Life Saving has developed the "Designated Child Supervisor Hat" as part of the Keep Watch toddler drowning prevention program. It is clear to everyone that whoever wears the hat is effectively the potential lifesaver.

Royal Life Saving urges vigilance whilst socialising. Make sure someone is given the specific role of supervising the kids – designated by wearing the hat. Supervision is constant visual contact, being within arms' reach, not the occasional glance. 2007 National Drowning Report clearly and accurately illustrates that drowning deaths of young children continues to be a major issue for the Australian community. The message from Royal Life Saving is to Keep Watch and prevent your child from drowning.

Young children need to be supervised constantly (within arms' reach) whenever they are in, on or near water.

Restricting a young child's access to water either by putting a barrier around the water or around the child is also effective in preventing drowning deaths.

Undertaking water familiarisation with your child will help you to become aware of the dangers.

Learning resuscitation can help if an incident does occur. To purchase a Designated Child Supervisor Hat visit www.royallifesaving.com.au.

View the Royal Life Saving Summer SuperVision newsletter (640kb, PDF).

Media Release courtesy of Royal Life Saving Society Australia.

Release Date: 5th February 2008

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